Preventing Foreigner Enclaves

In Parliament, MP Foo Mee Har had shared her concerns about foreigner enclaves forming in our HDB estates. She suggested a 10% cap on the number of flats that could be sublet to foreigners in each HDB block.

Today, only Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents can buy HDB flats. But foreigners can rent rooms or entire flats. Currently, there is no cap on the number of flats sublet to such foreign tenants in HDB blocks.

I agreed with MP Foo Mee Har that we need to maintain the Singaporean character of our heartlands. In principle, MND has agreed to impose such a cap. The question is at what level.

HDB has completed its analysis on the current subletting situation. Today, less than 4% of HDB flats are sublet to foreigners, excluding Malaysians. However, the proportion could go up to 9% in some areas, or even 18% in some blocks.

We will soon decide on an appropriate cap. I am mindful of the need to balance the impact on those who rely on subletting for additional income, especially the elderly.

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This entry was posted on Friday, December 6th, 2013 at 11:55 am and is filed under Public Housing. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.
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